Hurricane Katrina Coverage - W.W. Grainger

43 locations in the Gulf States region

-- Industrial Distribution, 9/9/2005

The following update was provided by Grainger spokesman Robb Kristopher:

“We are relieved to report that we have successfully accounted for all Grainger employees in the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. All were found to be in safe situations and have communicated with their families or colleagues. Grainger employees are working extremely hard to ensure first responders, local businesses and the affected communities get the products they need in the recovery.
 
“Grainger has seven branches in Louisiana, three branches and a distribution center in Mississippi, six branches in Alabama and 27 branches and a distribution center in Florida.  In addition, some employees from branches across the nation are traveling to the affected area to work at the branches in the region.
 
”Front-line branches in the recovery efforts include Baton Rouge, La., Mobile, Ala., Pensacola, Fla. and Jackson, Miss. - our two New Orleans branches are not operational at this time...Primary distribution centers involved in the effort include Southaven, Miss.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Dallas; Greenville, S.C.; and Kansas City, Mo…
 
“…We have employees from around the country migrating to the affected area to help staff the area branches while local employees recover from the catastrophe. Some displaced employees are working at other branches in the network and some who have been directly impacted (damaged homes) are receiving assistance from the company as they get back on their feet.
 
“…Grainger’s Emergency Response Plan was activated in advance of the catastrophe and we continue to work to get emergency supplies to the affected areas. We have mobilized shipments of emergency supplies to the impacted areas such as generators, chain saws, gas cans, work gloves, tarps, flashlights, batteries, water, Gatorade and sanitary supplies for clean-up. We routinely stage these types of products in the region at this time of year. We have been actively working with first responders to ensure they have the supplies they need in the recovery.”

Click here to read the full report on the initial effects of Hurricane Katrina.